1964 Lodal Load-a-Matic custom "Godzilla" City of Scottsdale Arizona, Solid Waste Management Division The world's first automated residential refuse loader came from somewhat humble lineage. This 1964 International Harvester with a Lodal Load-a-Matic body was not in regular service by 1969, when it was transformed to empty 80 and 300 gallon trash barrels without the driver leaving the cab. The arm was designed by Marc Stragier, and was built and fitted to the Lodal lifting frame by mechanic Chuck Kalinowski. Stragier would later develop the Rapid Rail automated system and is currently with the Heil company. Godzilla first went on the job in June 1969. As can be seen from the picture above, a sub-frame slides outward laterally about six feet to engage the can, allowing the claw to grasp it. With the can held in the place, the slide is then retracted to its starting point aligned with the front of the truck. Then the Lodal lifting equipment hoisted and dumped the can in the conventional manner of a commercial front loader. Total dump time was approximately 30 seconds. After an evaluation period of six months, Godzilla proved to be quite effective with 300 gallon bins collected from alleys, but was inefficient when servicing 80 gallon cans from residences due to obstructions such as parked cars. With Godzilla and subsequent experiments by the department, there was no manual and no service department to call if trouble arose, and there was trouble. On of the most notable was a common hydraulic problem that was exacerbated by the design of the early front loaders, whose arms passed by the doors of the truck cab during their normal motion. One of Godzilla's hydraulic hoses ruptured while the lift arms were raised, trapping driver Ray Guebara in the cab. The leaking oil, inginted by the vehicle exhaust system then set it on fire! Guebara escaped serious injury only by climbing out the window. See what Godzilla looked like before modification in the Lodal album here at CRT. Next: The Son of Godzilla 11/6/05 © 2005 Eric Voytko All rights reserved Photos from factory brochures/advertisements except as noted Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers